WHERE DID THE FIRST MASS HAPPENED? BUTUAN OR LIMASAWA?

Introductory Statement

As with any area of study, there will always be room for conflicts and
controversies when exploring Philippine history. So, it is important to approach these
debates with an open mind, consider all perspectives, and seek to uncover the truth
through careful analysis of the available evidence.

Goodmorning, Ladies and gentlemen and honourable opponents, I am here to

present a strong argument in agreement with the proposition that Limasawa holds the
first Mass in the Philippines. Limasawa is an Island municipality in the Southern
Leyte province of the Philippines. On March 31, 1521, the first Mass in the
Philippines was held to celebrate Easter Sunday. Padre Pedro de Valderrama led the
Mass on the side of Mazua, and a large wooden cross was erected on a mountain.
Following this event, our country was named Islas de San Lazaro. This is an essential
topic in Philippine history, and it is my pleasure to present a compelling argument in
favour of the proposition. As we delve into this topic, we will explore the various
events and factors that make Limasawa an essential part of Philippine history. We will
examine the historical records and evidence that support the claim that Limasawa is
indeed the site of the first recorded Christian mass in the country.

FIRST STATEMENT

Today, I am presenting our argument that the first Catholic Mass in the
Philippines was held at Limasawa Island in Leyte. Later, my colleague will discuss
the long-term benefits of recognizing Limasawa Island as the site of the first Catholic
Mass in the Philippines. For instance, this recognition can create a sense of pride and
belonging among Filipinos and also improve the image of the island in the community
and among tourists for being a historically significant site. Additionally, it may attract
more visitors and researchers who are interested in exploring the island's rich history
and cultural heritage.

The first reason why we're proposing this motion is my first argument is the
account of Antonio Pigaffeta has been widely accepted as the primary source of
evidence for the events that took place during Ferdinand Magellan's voyage to the
Philippines. According to historical records, Ferdinand Magellan went to Limasawa
after first landing and resting on the island of Homonhon in March 1521. From the
account of the Italian chronicler Antonio Pigafetta, Magellan first sent Father Pedro
de Valderrama ashore with some men to prepare for a mass and to inform Rajah
Kolambu, through an interpreter, that he and his men would land to attend the Mass.

Antonio Pigaffeta's account provides a detailed description of the events that

occurred during the discovery of the Philippines by Ferdinand Magellan. In his
writing, Pigaffeta notes that they sailed southbound, passing the Leyte Coast and
arriving at Limasawa on March 28, 1521. The distance between Humonhon Island,
where they came from, and Limasawa is approximately 25 leagues (138.9 km), which
Pigaffeta also mentioned in his account. Moreover, Pigaffeta noted that the distance of
25 miles between Humonhon Island and Limasawa accurately matches the distance
between Humonhon Island and Mazaua, which researchers confirm. This provides
further support for the accuracy of Pigaffeta's account and the events that took place
during the discovery of the Philippines.

Furthermore, according to the evidence from Albo's logbook and Pigafetta's

account, Magellan's expedition entered Philippine waters south of the island of Samar
and stayed at Homonhon for a week. They then sailed to Leyte, southwards parallel to
its eastern coast and the adjoining island of Panaon. They eventually anchored off the
eastern shore of a small island called Mazaua, where they celebrated Mass on Easter
Sunday and planted the cross on the highest hill. The island of Mazaua lies at a
latitude of 9 and 2/3 degrees North, which is similar to the latitude of the island of
Limasawa. After that, they sailed to the Canigao Channel between Bohol and Leyte,
then to the Camotes Group and Cebu. It's important to note that the expedition did not
go to Butuan or any other point on the Mindanao coast during that itinerary. The
survivors of the expedition did visit Mindanao later, but it was after Magellan's death.

The Limasawa group's calculations of the distances between Homonhon,

Limasawa, and Cebu align with the distance measurements noted by Pigafetta for the
distances between Homonhon and Masaua, and Homonhon, Masaua and Cebu.

To sum up, the historical records, including the distance of Humonhon and
Pigafetta's accounts and the Albo's logbook, leave no room for doubt that the first
Catholic Mass in the Philippines was celebrated on Limasawa Island in Leyte. This
historical milestone signifies the beginning of a significant chapter in the Philippines'
history and its enduring relationship with Catholicism.

SECOND STATEMENT

Now, we also argue 2018: Dr. Majores led the National Historical
Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) in a detailed investigation. The Mojares Panel
conducted a reevaluation of studies and literature on the historical issue, gathered
existing copies of Pigafetta's chronicles and other accounts abroad, surveyed the
presumed sites of the event in Butuan and Limasawa, and consulted experts in
geology and cartography. The panel utilized various sources of information, including
eyewitness accounts and studies that used modern navigational instruments to trace
the Magellan-Elcano Expedition.

The History Department of various universities reviewed the report by the

Mojares Panel. All of these entities agreed with the panel's findings and considered
them to be scholarly and acceptable.

Next, Dr. Antonio Sanchez de Mora, an expert on Spanish medieval history

and head of the reference service at the Archivo General de Indias in Sevilla, Spain,
concluded that the first-ever Eastern Mass in the Philippines was held in 1521 on the
Island of Mazaua, which is now known as Limasawa Island, Leyte. He arrived at this
conclusion after examining sources in the archive pertaining to the initial encounter
and first Mass celebrated on an island called Mazaua and comparing them with other
archival sources. Mora presented his findings as the centrepiece of "The Confusion
and Contention over Mazaua," which was part of the "500th Anniversary of the Mass
at Limasawa" event. His sources included documents written during Ferdinand
Magellan's historic expedition around the world, reports and testimonies of the
survivors who managed to make it back to Europe, chronicles and other primary
sources by authors who interviewed the survivors and consulted their documents, as
well as maps and nautical charts. Lastly, he referred to secondary sources that
interpreted the information provided by the primary sources and the testimonies
transmitted over time.

We can also use the Republic Act 2733 in the context of the debate. Republic
Act 2733, also known as the "Limasawa Act," was passed on March 31, 1960, to
officially declare Limasawa Island in Leyte as the site of the first Catholic Mass in the
Philippines. The act recognizes the historical significance of Limasawa in the context
of the nation's history and aims to commemorate the 1521 event led by Ferdinand
Magellan. This legislation further solidifies the historical claim that Limasawa Island
is the rightful location for the first Catholic Mass in the Philippines. It demonstrates
the official acknowledgment of this historical fact by the Philippine government and
serves as a testament to the island's role in the country's history and cultural heritage.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines supported the findings

that Limasawa Island in Southern Leyte was the location of the first Catholic Mass in
the country in 1521. The NHCP board signed Resolution No. 2, s. 2020, on July 15,
following the recommendation of the Majores panel. The panel concluded that the
evidence and arguments presented by the pro-Butuan advocates needed to be more
sufficient to dispute the previous rulings made by the commission's forerunner, the
National Historical Institute, in 1995 and 2008. As a result, the NHCP Board
recommended that the Island of Limasawa, Southern Leyte, as the sustained site of
the first Catholic Mass in the Philippines. On March 19, 2019, the Church Historians'
Association of the Philippines (CHAP) adhered to the National Historical Association
of the Philippines' position that the historic event took place on Southern Leyte's
Limasawa Island.

ENDING STATEMENT

As we conclude our debate today, I will highlight some of the key messages
from our discussions. I agree with the proposition that Limasawa in Southern Leyte is
the site of the first Christian Mass ever held in the Philippines.

Our argument is based on historical records, scholarly investigations, and

official government recognition. After a thorough investigation and evaluation of
historical records and expert opinion, the historical account of Antonio Pigafetta, a
chronicler who accompanied Ferdinand Magellan on his voyage to the Philippines,
Pigafetta's writing provides a detailed description of the events that occurred during
the discovery of the Philippines, noting that the first Mass was celebrated on
Limasawa Island on March 31, 1521, to celebrate Easter Sunday. This is further
supported by the evidence from Albo's logbook and the distance measurements noted
by Pigafetta. Moreover, in 2018, the National Historical Commission of the
Philippines conducted a detailed investigation, and the Mojares Panel concluded that
Limasawa Island was indeed the location of the first Catholic Mass in the country. Dr.
Antonio Sanchez de Mora, an expert on Spanish medieval history, arrived at the same
conclusion after examining sources in the archive pertaining to the initial encounter
and first Mass celebrated on an island called Mazaua and comparing them with other
archival sources.
 Furthermore, the Republic Act 2733, also known as the "Limasawa Act,"
officially declared Limasawa Island in Leyte as the site of the first Catholic Mass in
the Philippines, recognizing its historical significance in the country's history and
cultural heritage.

As we conclude our debate today over the site of the first Mass in the
Philippines, let us remember the significance of the first Catholic Mass in the
Philippines. By acknowledging and honouring this historical event, we can continue
to learn from our past and promote unity, respect, and understanding among all
Filipinos. As we continue to explore and learn about our country's history, let us
always strive to seek the truth and uphold the integrity of historical records and
evidence.

I thank you for your participation and kind attention.

Three questions against the other group, who argues for Butuan as the location of the
first Mass:

1. How then did the strong three-century tradition in favour of Butuan

arise?

2. Could you offer specific historical proof that the first mass in the Philippines took
place in Butuan?

3. Are there any primary source accounts from Ferdinand Magellan's expedition that
clearly mention Butuan as the location of the first Mass

Additional Question:
How reliable are the sources that support the claim that the first mass in the
Philippines happened in Butuan?